"The saints of God are His brides and none looks upon brides save those of their family. They are veiled in seclusion in His presence by intimacy. No one sees them, neither in the world nor the next." Of the well-known Sufi masters, whose iconic stories are often narrated and quoted in Suhbaat (study … Continue reading Bayazid Al-Bastami (q.s.), Sultan al-‘Arifeen→

(Disclaimer: this has nothing to do with the speech by Socrates in 399 BC.) Some days they end in sweet adieus Endearing thanks and I-love-yous, Others they end in frowns and tears Frustrated voices, and burning ears. Alluring it was, the charm I knew Captured and thus, my feelings grew I've never known feelings so … Continue reading The Apology→

…Of all taboo topics to choose this holy Month - There is perhaps a common stigma that circulates in my community, revolving around the term 'love'. Again the liberal-conservative dichotomy comes into play, and while it is shunned and resented by some, others think a bit too little of it. It is all too … Continue reading The L Word→

Al-Imam ash-Shafi'ee (r.a) (150 H/766 M - 204 H/820 M) is known as the establisher of the shafi'ee school of jurisprudence, or mazhab of Fiqh, widely used by Muslims in South East Asia. He was one of the ahlul bayt - his lineage can be traced back to 'abd Manaf ibn Qusay, who is also … Continue reading Imam ash-Shafi’ee on Travel→

This is one of the most notable works by Abu al-Aswad ad-Du'ali (16-69 H), one of the greatest forefathers of Arab grammar. He is of the tabi'in (the generation after the Prophet pbuh) and played a major role in assigning the markings (shakl) in the Holy Qur'an. Much reference has been made to this (especially … Continue reading The requirements of being an Educator→

The following are some of my unremarkable attempts at wordplay and alliteration. The sultry Sunday slipped secretively Through my fingers, sandlike and slippery, Surreal it was, point- blank, serenity, Slithering silently into eternity. It was apparent poison in plain perception As I beheld the pain in pale apprehension, Panic erupted and pelted my vision, and … Continue reading Some Rhymes and a Lot of Nonsense→

I have a very cliché craving for someone to ask me if I'm alright. There the willow stood, unmoving, Its hollow trunk soiled and leaves blackening, No wind teases it, its shriveled and dry Branches drove away all that passed by. There is nothing profound about it Save the silence around it Its craving for … Continue reading Uninspired.→